Post date: 24th November 2020
Looking after your teeth and gums is not just about maintaining a healthy smile — it can also support your overall health.
Your mouth naturally contains many types of bacteria. When dental hygiene is poor, harmful bacteria can build up and lead to gum disease and long-term inflammation. Research suggests that this inflammation may be linked with several health conditions. Poor dental health does not directly cause these conditions, but keeping your teeth and gums healthy may help reduce risks and support your wider wellbeing.
When teeth or gums are not healthy, chewing can become uncomfortable, which may affect the foods you choose to eat. This may limit food choices and make it harder to eat a varied, balanced diet, which can affect overall nutrition. Good dental health helps you eat comfortably and get the nutrients your body needs.
Bacteria from the mouth can sometimes be breathed into the lungs, particularly in people with poor dental hygiene or existing health conditions. Studies suggest this may be linked to respiratory infections such as bronchitis and pneumonia. Maintaining good dental care may help reduce the number of harmful bacteria.
People with diabetes are more prone to gum disease. Inflammation of the gums can also make blood sugar levels harder to manage, potentially worsening diabetic symptoms. Good dental hygiene and regular dental care are an important part of diabetes management.
Both gum disease and chronic kidney disease involve ongoing inflammation. Research suggests there may be an association between severe gum disease and kidney disease, although further studies are needed to fully understand this link.
Bacteria from gum disease can enter the bloodstream and trigger inflammation in blood vessels. Over time, this may damage the heart and blood vessels and increase the risk of heart disease. In some cases, dental bacteria can also cause endocarditis, an infection of the heart lining.
Severe gum disease has been linked with pregnancy complications such as premature birth and low birth weight. Hormonal changes during pregnancy can also increase the risk of gum inflammation, making good dental care particularly important at this time.
Long-standing gum disease has been associated with an increased risk of cognitive decline, including dementia. Researchers believe inflammation and the spread of bacteria may be contributing factors, though this area is still being studied.
There is evidence of a link between gum disease and rheumatoid arthritis, with inflammation being a possible shared factor. Some studies suggest that managing gum disease may help reduce overall inflammation in people with this condition.
Osteoporosis affects bone density and may be linked with bone loss around the teeth, increasing the risk of loose teeth or tooth loss. This association is more commonly seen in post-menopausal women.
Good dental hygiene — brushing twice a day, cleaning between your teeth, and attending regular dental health check-ups and hygiene appointments — plays an important role in maintaining both dental and general health. Your dental team can help you keep your teeth and gums healthy as part of a preventative approach to your overall well-being.